Student support

The Faculty of Veterinary Science offers a number of student support programmes to ensure that students are able to cope with the demands of the academic and social environment in which they find themselves during their studies.

New veterinary science and veterinary nursing students are exposed to an academic information week at the beginning of the academic year. The programme provides for a variety of topics on the information presented in this section and also introduces students to the campus, its facilities and staff that they are likely to meet during their first year at Onderstepoort.

A mentor system run by students and staff, provides social support to new students on the Onderstepoort campus especially during the initial period of adaptation and the time required to find their way around the campus and its facilities.

A student tutor system is in place for students in the first year of the veterinary science and veterinary nursing programmes. The tutors are senior students who assist fellow students in specific academic modules under supervision of the relevant Head of Department. Additional assistance in time management, study methods, etc. are offered as required. Assistance with bursary and loan arrangements is also provided on request.

Counselling and medical services are available on the campus by appointment. Various 24-hour emergency medical facilities are situated within a radius of 10 – 15 km of the campus.

An annual leadership and management awareness programme is offered by the Faculty in conjunction with sponsors from the private sector to improve “people skills” in order to achieve the desired quality of interaction with colleagues and customers. The programme is offered to all second year veterinary science and first year veterinary nursing students at the beginning of the academic year.

The student body, in liaison with Student Administration, is responsible for social, cultural and sporting activities.